ITwas built 15 years ago to get materials and people to the naval base at Faslane and was left off one local tourist guide.
But yesterday, the wide, smooth and curving A817, which takes in views of Loch Lomond at the eastern end and Glen Fruin along much of its length, was judged the most leisurely drive in Scotland in a new survey.
Scotland was voted the British motorist's favourite area in which to drive.
Two Scottish roads were in the top 10 of the UK's select spots for motorists, with the A817 the highest rated, coming third out of a list of 60. The A87 Invergarry to Skye route took seventh spot.
The A817's rating has taken roads and tourist officials by surprise. Five years ago, the eight-mile Loch Lomond to Garelochhead route failed to be included in a new tourist map for the area by the Lomond and Clyde Tourist Association.
Marjorie Curtis, of the Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs Tourist Board, said the old haul road which was built by the MoD to take traffic away from the A814 was a scenic route, but there were better.
"If the trees were cut down you would see more, you cannot see as much now, " she said.
"There is a spot where it tells you to look at a view, but when you do you just see the trees.
"It is supposed to be a fast road, it is a quicker way of getting around the peninsula from the north and it does save a bit of time for motorists.
"But there is more scenery coming down through the A814 to Garelochhead because you are right beside the Gare Loch and can see the yachts."
Stewart Turner, head of roads and amenity services at Argyll and Bute Council said:
"I am quite surprised because I could find other roads that are nicer, but it is down to judgment, isn't it?
"The views of Loch Lomond are stunning, but it is never something we considered. We are always happy for somewhere in Argyll and Bute to get something like this."
Motoring enthusiasts are known to enjoy the quietness of the road while able to drive at 60mph legally and safely.
One, who runs a website devoted to the love of driving, says: "The road is amazing. It soars and falls hundreds of feet at amazing angles. It's as close to being on a rollercoaster as you'll get on public roads."
The survey of 2000 motorists from around the country chose Scotland as the most scenic place to drive out of a total of 20 areas taking 23- percent of the vote. The Lake District came second, with 16- percent and Wales was third with 11- percent.
Out of the 12 regions judging the most scenic driving areas in Britain, five picked Scotland - London, Midlands, Central Scotland, North Scotland and the Borders. All drivers surveyed in North Scotland stayed loyal to Scotland.
Britain's favourite road was named as the B3306 linking St Just, near Land's End, to the Cornish seaside resort of St Ives, which runs along the rugged coastline and is famed for its stunning sea views. The A592 to Ullswater in the Lake District came second.
The study commissioned by Direct Line, the online insurance company, also says that more than half of all motorists use leisurely drives as an ideal way to relax and get away from everyday concerns.
One in five report lower stress levels after a scenic countryside drive.
Emma Holyer of the insurance firm, said: "Driving often gets a bad rap, but our research shows that more than two thirds of UK motorists like driving, with one in five loving it.
Motorists spend an average of 7.5 hours a month driving purely for pleasure."
Dr Guy Fielding, a behavioural psychologist added:
"Car drivers tend to benefit from increased self-esteem, sense of security and control over their lives, which in turn leads to increased psychological wellbeing. Studies show that drivers tend to have better general health and less depression than people who use public transport."
SCENIC DRIVES
1 B3306 St Just to St Ives, Cornwall
2 A592 to Ullswater, Lake District
3 A817 Loch Lomond to Garelochhead, Scotland
4 A35 Lyndhurst to Christchurch, New Forest
5 A537 Cat and Fiddle road from Macclesfield to Buxton, Peak District, Derbyshire
6 A169 Pickering to Whitby, North Yorkshire Moors
7 A87 Invergarry to Isle of Skye, Western Highlands and Islands
8 A4086 Pass of Llanberis from Caernarfon to Capel Curig, Snowdonia and Bangor
9 A39 Exmoor Coast Road, Exmoor and Hartland
10 A149 Old Hunstanton to Sheringham, North Norfolk coast
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